Articulated animal puppet Bernese mountain dog "Bäru" for the Moosegg open-air theater (Switzerland)

The process started with collecting pictures of Bernese Mountain Dogs. Afterwards I watched some videos to see the dogs' movements. What kind of movements do they have to be able to do? What should the dog represent on stage? Using models and two-dimensional drawings to estimate the size, the process continued towards the clay model. I then molded the clay model using a thermoplastic sheet material. Once it has cooled down, the sound can come out again and make room for mechanics and structure. Ultimately, the dog's stable shell is pulled over like a second layer of fur. The fur is artificial. The challenge with this figure was the weight and weather resistance for the outdoor performance.
Construction beginning of 2022

Jointed doll forest goblin "Ratzewutz"

The process started with drawings of the character. It was supposed to be a kind of forest goblin, where it wasn't exactly clear whether he was good or deceitful. It starts with a rough shape made of foam, covered with volumetric fleece. The nose and other areas are then supplemented and gradually sewn on. Finally, the whole thing is covered with doll jersey and painted. Additional costume pieces and hair and the goblin is ready and can wreak havoc on the world's stages.
Construction at the end of 2021

Large bird figure "Emma"

For the demonstration "You have forgotten us" in Braunschweig and Bianka Drozdik, I was allowed to build the large bird Emma together with Emil Fischer. Starting with the small model, wicker canes were bent and covered. The mouth can also be moved using a cable pull.

Construction in summer 2021

The film for the demonstration on the LOT Theater YouTube channel. The big bird in action.

Folding mouth figure rat "Randy"

The process started with drawings of the character and finding photos of rats. Then the mouth was started with a piece of strong cardboard and pieces of cloth. The core of the folding mouth figure was cut and shaped from foam. Covered with a self-dyed tricot fabric.

Construction in fall 2020

Character masks

The basic shapes were created by modeling with clay. After that there were two different ways: Either with paper mache directly on the clay and remove the mold, or over the plaster mold and pour it out with Hartovit. In both variants, it is the painting that really brings out the character traits. The mask should be designed in such a way that it changes in the theater light and allows for different expressions.

Construction 2020

Hand puppets

The heads and hands were first modeled from clay. A mold was then created with plaster and filled with Hartovit. With the paint and the right clothes they become real characters.
Construction 2019

Cats for Workshopera Bern "Magic Flute"

They were carved out of foam. In the head there is a mechanism for the eyes, the nose can be wrinkled and the mouth can open and close. The foam bodies were covered with fake fur. The fur was trimmed.
Construction at the end of 2018